Experts Say Kids in Shorts During Winter Can Be Dangerous

We have the same battle in our household every morning: My 6-year-old wants to wear shorts and a t-shirt, even when it’s freezing outside! Meanwhile, my teenage daughters roll their eyes when I suggest putting on a coat. 

On the one hand, I get it. The kids care about their comfort and how they look, depending on their age. But as their mom, I’m concerned about their health. 

To be fair, I’ve often wondered if we’ve put too much stock into the “danger” of kids choosing to wear shorts or skip the jacket when the weather outside is frightful. And if we have, is forcing kids to pick pants over shorts really a hill worth dying on, so to speak?

We consulted the experts to find out for sure.

Experts Say Failing to Dress Warmly Enough Can Lead to Health Repercussions

I often tell my son pants were made for a reason. And as Kate Austin, MS, OTRL, Occupational Therapist with Collaborative ABA Services confirms to Parents, wearing clothing that does not properly protect you from the elements can indeed impact your health. 

“Skin that is overexposed to cold weather can impact skin integrity and agitate existing skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis, and result in wind burn or other exposure-based conditions,” she says, adding that in extreme cases, severe cold exposure for an extended period of time may cause hypothermia or frostbite.

Meanwhile, Steve Carleton, LCSW, CAS, Chief Clinical Officer at Porch Light Health, explains kids rebel against winter clothing for various reasons, including comfort, personal taste, or just plain letting us know who the boss is.

“For parents, this can be highly frustrating,” he acknowledges. 

Indeed, it can be, especially when “the boss” gets sick.

Tips for Getting Kids to Wear Weather-Appropriate Clothing

The good news is there are many strategies parents can employ to make getting dressed more of a collaboration, and less of a conflict, such as:

• Establish rules that apply to the entire household: For instance, make a family rule that says on any day the temperature is under 60 degrees, we are required to wear pants. “When these rules are set out, it can become less of a battle because it’s dictated by the weather, which nobody can control,” Austin says.
• Let kids make a choice: Carleton says by giving them a couple of clothing options to choose from, kids will feel like they are in control, even if ultimately, they are not. 
• Allow plenty of time for pushback: “If you already suspect getting dressed will be a challenge, start the process earlier so no one is forced into a stress-inducing time crunch,” advises Carleton.
• Offer positive reinforcement: According to Carleton, complimenting kiddos for complying with clothing directions is key to getting cooperation.

Sensory Challenges Can Be a Factor

Of course, it’s important to account for factors beyond our control that can add difficulty to the process. For example, “Getting kiddos to wear weather appropriate clothing can be especially hard for children that struggle with sensory processing,” Austin points out.

Carleton adds sensory challenges are often present with children who are neurodivergent and tactile-sensitive. 

In this case, here are some things you can try to help kids dress appropriately for the weather:

• Avoid clothes with a lot of seams: Carleton notes this can scratch and irritate skin. 
• Encourage kids to wear a single, heavier layer: “Layers can be challenging for children with sensory issues,” Austin explains.
• Ditch hats and scarves in favor of jackets with hoods: Austin says this is often an easier option for staying warm. And you don’t have to worry about losing the other articles.
• Choose mittens over gloves: According to Austin, these are more sensory-friendly since mittens are easier to put on and take off.
• Buy snug-fitting clothing: “Clothing that rides up, bunches, or wrinkles against the skin can quickly become an issue,” Austin notes.
• Keep it simple: Clothing with decorative pieces like lace, sequins, patches, and decals—or even zippers or buttons that come into direct contact with the child’s skin—can be irritating.